1 month Ago
Noise and Emission Reduction Plan
RTHA is committed to reducing CO₂ emissions by 20% before 2035 as part of its new permit application using a range of tools: restricting fossil-fuel flights, preparing higher percentages of fuel-efficient aircraft, and requiring a range of blended sustainable fuels. Business flights will also not be allowed overnight, and delayed commercial flight arrivals will not be permitted past 11:00 PM, although late arrival times are proposed from 11:00 PM until midnight instead of the current timing of disrupting local community neighbours at 1:00 AM.
No new commercial flights using fossil fuels permitted above the 17,860 flights already authorized from 2019. Increased flights will have to wait at least five years after the new permit is issued, and only if noise capacity exists and the aircraft are all electric, hydrogen, or sustainable fuels.
RTHA will also limit early morning departures and late evening arrivals. The new policy will set requirements to fly quieter aircraft types from 7:00 AM until 9:00 AM for the next few years, and to reduce noise disturbances caused during the local community's morning work to school commutes.
Community Input and Permit Review
Surveys conducted and meetings with community residents have shown that most community members oppose increases in airplane noise, pollution, and aircraft operations associated with any increase in air traffic. RTHA said, "Over the past years, we have had many conversations with residents and other stakeholders about the future of the airport. Noise nuisance was an important topic in these and therefore it is also the most important topic of the application."
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management will review its request and draft permit. Stakeholders will have a chance to comment on the draft and provide input before the Ministry approves the operational rules and caps/limits associated with the license to the airport.
